DairyVoice Podcast

In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films again speaks with John Ellsworth of Success Strategies. John gives the dairy industry an update on tariffs, interest rates, President Trump’s export actions and dealing with banks and inflation. John stresses the need for economic relief and what farmers can do in a proactive way. Overall, John thinks this will be a good year for producers.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman speaks with Dr. David Kolb of Acepsis. They discuss one of the most important nutrients cows need… water! The water trough is a great disseminator of pathogens and disease and it is often overlooked why water is so important to cow nutrition and health. Listeners can find out more about Acepsis at https://acepsis.com .

Hay and forage season is soon. In this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman talks with Bart Elder of Vermeer. They discuss the many aspects of making good quality forage and getting it stored properly. These tips and processes involved in the getting hay growing in the field, harvested, processed and stored are key.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films speaks with Jenn Grubb. Jen is Senior Marketing Manager with MilkPEP and they discuss initiatives to attract primarily youth to dairy. MilkPEP was borne by a 1990 Act of Congress to increase dairy milk consumption through category-level consumer marketing and they provide milk processors with national programs, actionable resources, industry insights and customizable marketing materials.

This discussion explains who and how they target the consumer to promote milk, including gaming and social media programs.

In this episode, Connie Kuber of Connor AgriScience and Sealpro Silage Barrier Films talks with Evan Platte of Merck Animal Health and Mike Blesy, the Farm Manager for Leatherbrook Holsteins. They discuss the benefits of moving to a sorting gate system and how to prepare for the change.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Tim Abbott from Showbox Sires talks with Jan Bierma from Holstein International. They discuss Jan’s history in the business, and the passion behind the Holstein International publication. They take a deep dive in to where the most progress on breeding cattle has been made in the past couple decades and on Holstein Internationals future.

In this episode series The Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott talks with Morgan McMillan from Kingsway Farm and Steven Velthuis from Velthuis Farms about Showbox Sires new bull release Victory 744HO00207.

They discuss the pedigree of this incredible bull and why they are confident Victory will do well. They talk about how the bull will be used at Kingsway and what females would cross well with it.

In this episode of DairyVoice, host Mike Opperman talks with Corey Geiger, dairy economist with Co-Bank. They discuss the state of the dairy markets, tariffs, China, and what to look for going forward.

In episode 10 of the New England Holstein Association Podcast, Betsy Bullard talks with Keith Kimball of United Sires. Keith has New England roots, growing up in Massachusetts and runs a successful operation in New York. They talk about United Sires, his part as one of the 11 breeder members in the organization, and how United Sires is benefiting dairy operations.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films and Connor Agriscience talks with John Ellsworth of Success Strategies about finances and farm strategies in quarter 1 of this year. John suggests that this might be a good year to focus on efficiency when making any expansions and the importance of communicating with employees. This may be a good time to focus on lowering debt levels too. This podcast is packed with very real-world thoughts and advice and is a great listen.

In this episode of the Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett of Showbox Sires talk with Ethan McMillan of Kingsway Farms about their latest release VENMO 744HO17769. In the podcast they discuss VENMO, why this bull was brought in to the Showbox lineup and the bulls family.

Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett with Showbox Sires announce a new partnership in New Zealand. Worldwide Sires/Worldwide Sires New Zealand and Lawwal Holsteins are excited about the showbox sires product line and have created an innovative approach to selling the Showbox Sires product in New Zealand. In this Evolution of the Great Cow podcast, they touch on the cows Showbox owns, some of the sires in the line up, and the new partnership.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films and Connor Agriscience talks with Sally Cummins. Sally is Vice President of Nutritional Affairs for Dairy Management, Inc.

They discuss the importance of milk in Infant and baby nutrition and focus on the first 1000 days of life. Sally explains why the first 1000 days are important to brain health and what DMI is doing to promote this to parents and the dairy industry.

In this episode of DairyVoice in the series Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires talks with Don and David Chalack of Wendon Holsteins in Alberta, Canada. Wendon Holsteins is a 2X Master Breeder Herd (1995 & 2008) and is a family run operation located 15 minutes southeast of Innisfail, Alberta. They have a prestigious herd featuring 65 milking Holsteins. And, David Chalack is a Canadian Agricultural Hall of Famer (2011). Tim discusses their focus on the breed, advice for young persons coming in to the industry, and who their mentors were. 

In this episode of the New England Holstein Association’d podcast, Betsy Bullard talks with Bonnie Burr. They discuss the Eastern States Exposition… The Big E, which will be September 12 - 18, 2025 this year. Bonnie explains how she became connected with holstein activities, the history of the exposition, and the work that goes on behind the scenes for the event. The exposition is about community and is deeply embedded in the industry and their discussion sheds light on what it takes to provide a top show.

In this episode of DairyVoice, host Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires has a lively discussion with Lindsey Worden, the new CEO of Holstein Association. They talk about Lindsey’s upbringing, mentors, life in the business and her plans for the future of the organization.

In this episode of the Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett of Showbox Sires talk about their latest release Shake It-ET 200HO13139. In the podcast they speak to Tyler Dorian of Ferme Jacobs about this bull. Shake It is the Son of one of the greatest show cows to ever grace the ring, Shakira. It will be available through Semex and the Showbox Sires program.

Tom Eaton & Darren Usinowicz of Agriculture Consulting Services (ACS) talk with host Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films about cover cropping and the advantages. They discuss what to use, when to use it, and the benefits to whatever you are growing afterward. The number 1 reason to try it - infiltration water. You rarely see drought stress in field that are cover cropped.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films talks with Tom Eaton & Darren Usinowicz of Agriculture Consulting Services (ACS). They discuss the 2024 crop year and the impact it has had on northeast dairy farms. Tom and Darren discuss the flooding, soil health issues, manure management, and compaction issues they’ve been dealing with.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films talks with Tim Kurt, Senior Vice President, Environmental Research Strategy & Group Lead with Dairy Management Inc. on sustainability. 

They discuss why the dairy checkoff has gotten involved with sustainability and how DMI has engaged with the research. Tim Kurt dives in to the Greener Cattle Initiative, what is the goal of this work and who is at the table in making this happen. Additionally they talk about the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM Program). It will launch Environmental Stewardship (ES) Version 3 in the n...

In this episode of The New England Holstein Association podcast series, Betsy Bullard talks with Tim Abbott and Kathleen O’keefe who share their unique perspective on the changing nature of event coverage and participation opportunities, as well as their iconic New England cows. The New England Holstein Association is a member association dedicated to encouraging the breeding and raising of Registered Holsteins.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman talks with Robin Smith, AFIS, CRM, CIC, RCLS of the Agri-Service Agency. They discuss renewal of health insurance for your farm. The Ag industry has a completely different set of needs than most other organizations and Robin digs in to some of the issues. From what you can afford and selecting a network to add-on and out of pocket costs, dairy farmers need to work with someone that understands the specific needs of a farm.

One resource is the Agri-Service Agency. You can find out more at agri-servicesagency.com.

In this episode of the Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett of Showbox Sires talk about their latest release Haveitall Sidekick Image-ET 744HO17702. In the podcast they speak to Adam Zehr from Walnutlawn Farms about this bull. They all feel this will make very well-balanced cows that can be used in many directions. Image should provide the style from both Doc and Sidekick, with great udders on both sides of the pedigree.

In this episode of Showbox Sires Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett talk with Justin Velthuis and Adam Hodgins of Hodglynn Holsteins of Ontario Canada about their latest release Maples Miraculous Red 744HO17701.

They discuss what breeding a cow like Maple has done for their breeding program and what made Maple so special.  A closer look at the profile of the bull, what traits stand out, and what they think the bull will transmit wrap up this discussion.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires with his series, The Evolution of the Great Cow, spends time with two of Horace Backus’ closest friends, Joel Hastings and Dave Rama, to talk about his contributions to the industry.

Horace Backus of Mexico, New York, the “Dean of Holstein Pedigrees”, passed peacefully in his sleep early on October 22, 2024. He spent his long career working with Registered Holsteins as a breeder, auction sale manager, author and organizational leader and is widely recognized by thousands of dairy breeders and industry leaders nationally and internationally. He was truly one of...

In this podcast episode, Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett of Showbox Sires announce the release of their new bull ASHER-RED 744HO17546. Tim and Mike speak with Joe Brantmeier of Hilrose Dairy about the cow family and generations behind the bull. Joe Brantmeier talks about 14 year old Hilrose Advent Anna-Red and what she is like to work with.

They discuss how you would use ASHER-RED and, most importantly, when will semen be available and how do listeners get it? It is available through your Select Sires distributor within next 2 weeks. Contact them now.

In this episode of The Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires spoke with Robert (Bob/Fitzy) Fitzsimmons of East Montpelier, Vermont. They talked about old many great cows and people over the years. Bob was one of the first classifiers for Holstein Association and worked with Tim at St. Jacobs. Fitzy talks about his young success in the industry and his mentors over time, like Jerry Rappaport the influential Boston developer and attorney who bought several dairy farms in the Vermont area. Plus, those who had the biggest effect on his career, like Bill Weeks...

In this episode of DairyVoice, Dr. Donald Sockett from the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Dr. Tom Earleywine of Purina Animal Nutrition talk with Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films about current colostrum feeding practices and how they can be improved. They give tips for producers to help raise these healthy resilient calves and information on improvements to current colostrum feeding practices. 

In this episode of DairyVoice podcast, host Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires spoke with Ian Crosbie of Benbie Holsteins and Auctioneer John Copithorne while traveling to the Prairie Passion sale at Benbie Holsteins on the 4th of July. Ian represents his family operated farm that milks 160 holsteins. Purebred high end options in western Canada is something that doesn’t happen every day and for this episode of the series Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim was able to speak with Ian. He also talked with John Copithorne, auctioneer from Alberta. John is known as one of the great auctioneers in...

In this episode of DairyVoice, host Mike Opperman speaks with Tara Bohnert, Smart Farming Dairy Specialist for Datamars Livestock. They discuss new technologies and some of the data they can collect. The big question … how can producers collect all this data to help them make more effective decisions?

Tara talks about upcoming technology that she is excited about and what dairy farmers need to do before stepping in to this new technology.

In this episode of The Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott, Mike Duckett and Jeff King of Kings Ransom Farm discuss the newly release bull 744HO17425 Hellion-ET. Jeff King talks about the family behind his popular bull Dropbox and specifically about his dam Daze. Mike Duckett, who works with offspring of Doc every day, talks about the traits he sees in her family that are really appreciated.

According to Mike Duckett, Hellion checks almost every box. Mike digs in to what he sees in Hellion’s proof. Everyone is excited about a combination of Doc and Da...

In this episode of DairyVoice, host Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films talks with Geri Berdak, the CEO of The Dairy Alliance. The Dairy Alliance is a great organization and CEO Berdak explains why. She discusses her top priorities, unique challenges of the dairy industry, and how they communicate with consumers and their dairy farmers. They cover the Alliance’s future and an overview of how they approach their marketing plan.

In this episode of The Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett talk with the iconic Comtois family in Victoriaville, Quebec Canada. Comestar is a global icon in cattle breeding. They discuss the newly released bull 744HO17421 Lacteur. Steve & Marc Comtois discuss Lacquer’s family and talk about Laurie Sheik. Holstein International described Laurie Sheik as the “foundation of a long enduring empire.”

Mike Duckett digs in to the mix of sires in Lacteur’s pedigree and looks at the numbers on both the Canadian and U.S. side of this fantastic cow.

In this episode of the New England Holstein Association podcast, Betsy Bullard talks with Nick Randle, who is the Senior Marketing Lead, Dairy Productivity and Milk Quality at Zoetis. Plus, Nick is a Red and White holstein breeder from Massachusetts and President of the Red & White Dairy Cattle Association. Nick is originally from Indiana. If we need to jog your memory on Nick, just think Pistachio Pie. Pistachio Pie is the only cow to win the Supreme Champion title in both the open and junior shows in the same year and this cow did so with its breeder, Nick’s...

In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films talks with Dr. Julia Reyes-Hamann, who is the senior technical specialist for dairy young animal nutrition in North America for Cargill Animal Nutrition. Dr. Hamann discusses a calf’s immune system and their lung health. From housing to nutrition, Dr. Hamman covers a lot of material in this podcast. She explains why usage of colostrum is the key and using starter mix. Sometimes there is a problem even when there are no outside obvious signs of trouble in the calf. Julia tells us what to look for.

In this episode of DairyVoice, host Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films by Connor Agriscience talks with Tana Dennis PhD of Cargill. They discuss Oxidative Stress in Calves; what it is, what to look for, how to treat the issue and finish with excellent nutritional tips for your calves.

In this episode of the Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett of Showbox Sires introduce the latest addition to their lineup Judge-ET 744HO00203, which is available exclusively through Semex.

In their discussion with the Schwartzbeck family about Judge, who’s dam is Peace and Plenty Doc Jubie 16-ET, EX-94 nominated AA 4YO 2023 from the famous Jubilant family that had 6 AA nominations in 2023. They talk with Gus and Austin about what traits of this bull stand out the most. The Schwartzbeck’s also announce the Springtime Jubilee at their farm in U...

In episode 6 of the New England Holstein Association Podcast, Betsy Bullard talks with Jacob Schaefer. Jacob is a field representative at Holstein Association USA. They discuss Jacobs job and thoughts on the holstein industry in the northeast and elsewhere.

In this episode of the Evolution of the Great Cow, Tim Abbott and Mike Duckett of Showbox Sires introduce the latest addition to their lineup Jinx-ET 744HO17423, which is available through Select Sires.

They talk with the Schwartzbeck family about their Peace and Plenty Farms in Union Bridge, Maryland and discuss Jinx in detail, including what traits of this bull stand out the most. Gus and Davis also announce the Springtime Jubilee at their farm on March 15, 2025. The podcast is available on all major podcast providers, including Spotify.

Why is heat stress mitigation so crucial to your dairy cows? For starters, production, fertility, calving stress and potential losses. In this episode of DairyVoice, Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barrier Films talks with Steven McDonald of Agpro. With the current high temperatures around the country, this is an important topic right now. Agpro has introduced an efficient “smart soaker” that reduces the amount of water needed for the cows.